Afriquoi: Momentum
Live African dance music, fusing instrumental virtuosity with UK electronic sensibilities to create captivating, beautiful, dancefloor-friendly music for a new generation of world music fans with one foot in the clubs.
Afriquoi are an underground sensation, bringing an uplifting fusion of African music and live electronics. The masterful 5-piece live show combines Gambian kora, Congolese guitar + Mandinka percussion styles with electronic music drawing on house, soca, hiphop, soul + jungle to create something entirely unique. Based in London, Afriquoi is a UK afro supergroup, with every musician a band leader in their own right. With members ranging in age across 3 decades, originating from Africa, the Carribean and the UK, Afriquoi is true fusion music in the best sense of the word, bringing together a vast depth of musical knowledge, culture and life experience. Formed in 2011 out of London’s cultural melting pot, they have established a cult global fanbase, loved by fans both of African and electronic music. Their afro house classic ‘Kudaushe’ has become an established favourite in clubs all over the world, and they have toured all over Europe, with huge crowds singing along to their songs on major stages at Glastonbury, WOMAD, Dimensions, Fusion, Boomtown, Shambala, Bestival, Secret Garden Party and the London 2012 Olympics.
The debut album ‘Kolaba’ was released 11.09.15 on Wormfood Records and in 2016 they follow up with a series of EPs and an album, including Abobo Nation Pt.1 , released 17.06.16.
Momentum funding will allow Afriquoi to develop three main areas: a technically improved live show, specifically involving new hardware, as well as as taking on a dedicated sound engineer; the recording and release of as new studio album, specifically involving features from high-profile African vocalists and instrumentalists; increased tour support for the album tour this Autumn.